Does engine crank when security system is activated?

[jimmyess333]

I went to start my truck today and it would crank but not start.
When I take the key out I noticed the security light blinks 5 times, about once per second.
I never noticed that before.

Then I tried my spare key (hardware store copy that came with the truck) and it will not even crank.
I'm thinking the copy wouldn't work anyway because it's not a dealer key.

My question is will the truck crank when the security system is activated?
If so, what could cause the truck to not recognize the factory key anymore?

I read on here that leaving a previously actuvated key in the ignition for 30 minutes in the on position will reactivate it.
Does anyone have any experience with that?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

A hardware store key copy will not work for anything other than opening the doors. Your truck has a PATS (passive anti theft system) in it from the factory which requires your truck to recognize the chipped key in the ignition.

The truck will not crank with the wrong key in the ignition as the PATS system is pretty much a starter lock out immobilizer.

It is normal for your theft light to flash after removing the keys from the ignition.

Leaving the key in the ignition for 30 mins in the on position will not re program a PATS key, the dealer has to do that.

Can you hear your fuel pump running when you turn the key on? Have you checked for spark and fuel at the engine? Sounds like you have other issues causing your truck to not fire.

 

[jimmyess333]

Thank you

Thanks for the response.
I guess my factory key is working then, because it cranks.
I just got the truck and I've pretty much driven it only in the daytime so far so I didn't remember if the security light normally blinks.
Well, it's dark and rainy in Philly right now so I will check for codes and spark in the morning and go from there.
At least now I have a direction of attack.

 

[jimmyess333]

It Lives!

I wish I could tell you what I did but I checked and fiddled with a lot of stuff before trying to start it.
I pulled some fuses and put them back in as well as pushing the reset button on the fuel cutoff valve under the dash.
Either way, it fired right up first try.
I wonder what it was?....

 

[Earl43P]

Do you park on a street?

If someone banged it a good jolt, the inertia switch could easily have tripped.

I've rescued more than one stranded woman in a Taurus, etc. from the store parking lot for that exact problem. I typically sit and do xwords when the wife shops, you see a lot of things happen in a parking lot, lol.

 

[jimmyess333]

Do you park on a street?

If someone banged it a good jolt, the inertia switch could easily have tripped.

I've rescued more than one stranded woman in a Taurus, etc. from the store parking lot for that exact problem. I typically sit and do xwords when the wife shops, you see a lot of things happen in a parking lot, lol.

Yeah, it's parked on the street in the ghetto.
People generally bounce off the bumpers of the cars in front and behind them all the time while parallel parking around here.
If they do a 3 point turn around next to your car you're screwed.
My last car had a nice hit and run dent in the fender from what I think was a 3 point turn gone bad.
I've had cars get pretty banged up parked around here.
If you are unfortunate enough to live on a small one-way street be prepared to replace mirrors on a regular basis.